Developmental Disabilities Giving Circle

The Giving Circle's mission is "Promoting Innovation and Possibilities." Members are focused on making the world better for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) 18 and older who have completed school. By channeling our collective energy and maximizing our advocacy and experience, we believe we can create systemic change to help our loved ones live the best lives possible.

Parents and family members are facing more concerns than ever before: an increased demand for services; changes in government funding, the aging of family caregivers coupled with longer lifespans for people with I/DD; and the unique challenges and stressors of raising a child with I/DD. The Giving Circle provides an outlet to collaborate with and learn from other parents and have a say in where money raised by the group is directed.

Our Grants

Each Spring, Giving Circle members discuss and vote on grant proposals vetted by the Grantmaking Committee. Here is what the Giving Circle has supported:

2017 ($18,075):

Greentopia: To hire and support two people with I/DD to work in the Green Visions workforce development program from April to October. $8,000

Rochester Accessible Adventures: To introduce the Pathway to Inclusion training program to local businesses to help them understand how they can be more inclusive so that individuals with a variety of disabilities can participate in active, healthy lifestyle opportunities. $10,075

2016 ($51,650):

ARC of Livingston-Wyoming: To introduce the technology of TouchStream Solutions to residents of group homes to help them independently manage their time, appointments, and medication. $6,340

Catholic Charities Community Services: To implement the Stepping Stones to Employment program that will help as many as 35 individuals explore employment options and technical skills while waiting for long-term employment. $16,890

Prevention 1st: To develop and launch the Safe at Home project curriculum that will teach targeted skills related to fire prevention and kitchen safety to six to 10 individuals. $17,240

Seneca Cayuga ARC: To establish a computer assisted art and design lab that will provide up to 40 individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to create art using specialized software and hardware. $4,300

Wayne ARC: Introducing the TouchStream Solutions technology to individuals served by the Residential Services department to allow them to live more independently. $6,880

2015 ($23,630):

Heritage Christian Services: To purchase software, hardware, support services, and training from TouchStream Solutions to assist 10 individuals to become more independent with daily living skills. $10,000

School of the Holy Childhood: To purchase 10 iPad minis and related software to assist 10 to 20 individuals to assess their abilities, skills, and interests, and pursue paid employment in the community. $7,380

Lifetime Assistance: To purchase TouchStream hardware, software, and support services to assist individuals who live in group settings with daily schedules and health care management. $6,250

What is a Giving Circle?

A giving circle is a group of like-minded individuals who pool their money each year and decide together how it should be distributed. For the DD Giving Circle members, it's about more than writing a check.

The Giving Circle includes social, educational, and engagement opportunities that connect family members and friends of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and provide a more thorough understanding of philanthropy and community issues. Our overall goal is to create positive systemic change by supporting creative and innovative programs that will make a difference in the lives of the I/DD community.

How We Got Started

A group of parents, siblings, and advocates of individuals with I/DD approached the Community Foundation about establishing a Developmental Disabilities Giving Circle, which was approved by the Community Foundation board of directors in February 2014. The DD Giving Circle is led by a Steering Committee that includes Co-Chairs Leslie Hulbert and Dianne Newhouse, along with Adam Anolik, Dr. Susan Hetherington, Mary Holleran, Ann Kurz, Margit Brazda Poirier, Randi Rhinehart, MaryLynn Smart,and Caitlin Weir.

Become a member to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Join before December 31, 2016 at any level (see below) and you can have a vote in the Giving Circle's third round of grantmaking in 2017.

Voting Memberships

Leadership ($1,000 or more): Have the option to become a member of the steering committee to help lead the decision-making for the group and participate on committees (Grantmaking or Membership & Marketing).

Basic ($750): Join one of the committees to learn more about the circle and vote on grants.

Sibling ($250): Family members of individuals with I/DD under age 40 can join at this rate to vote on grants and serve on one of our committees.

Individual ($100): Individuals with I/DD who join are encouraged to be active on one of the committees or join the steering committee.

If you would prefer to support the Giving Circle by making a donation or giving a gift in memory or honor of someone, it can be in any amount.

Send a Check: Mail a personal check made out to Rochester Area Community Foundation and Developmental Disabilities Giving Circle in the Memo Line to Rochester Area Community Foundation, 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.

All contributions to the Developmental Disabilities Giving Circle are tax-deductible.

Get Involved

The Giving Circle is looking for members who would like to be actively involved in reviewing grants and growing membership to spread the word about the group. To find out more, email Mary Holleran, vice president of communications, or call her at 585.341.4351.